April 25, 2018
Is your pet a geriatric?
Dogs are usually considered geriatric from the age of 8 and cats from the age of 10. Larger breed dogs are considered to be in this bracket from the age of 5. Our pets are living longer with up to 40% of dogs and 30% of cats being over the age of 6 years. Pets often suffer from similar problems to older humans which we put down to them ‘getting on a bit’. However, a lot can be done both at home and from a medical point of view to make their later years as comfortable and rewarding as possible.
What should I be looking for at home?
We most commonly see a change in behaviour such as less interaction with the family, unwillingness to go on walks or a change in eating and drinking habits. Subtle differences in toileting can indicate a change in health or a need for a new diet. Mobility is often easier to assess in dogs but many cats may stop climbing up to their favourite cupboard or jumping up onto high surfaces. It is often useful to keep a diary of your pets’ movements and behaviour so that we can detect any changes.
What diseases could they be suffering from?
The most common diseases seen in old age are as follows:
- Oesteo arthritis
- Obesity or malnutrition
- Poor digestion
- Dental disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypertension
- Cardiac disease (heart disease)
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyrodism
- Cancer
How can the geriatric clinic help my pet?
During our geriatric clinic we will perform a full health check and discuss any concerns that you may have regarding your pet. Your pet will then stay with us for a few hours so that we can perform a blood pressure reading in a calm environment, take a blood sample and a urine sample for full analysis. We understand that health care come at a price so will do all of this with a 30% discount on all costs.
In light of the test results, we will then be able to assess both your pets mental and physiological health and ensure that they will have the best health care going forward. We aim to detect any disease process as early as possible and deal with them as they arise. We will also develop a plan for you pets ideal exercise and suggest changes at home that may improve their quality life.
If you would like your pet to attend the geriatric clinic please contact the clinic on 02072292040 or email us at info@bayswatervets.co.uk.
